First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh wants to give it another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League for the 2026 season that begins on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. However, Koepka is a competitive type who thrives under high-level competition, which he found only limited at LIV. Having joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement funds, it is not surprising he foregoes the last contractual season, although questions remain about possible buyouts or paying back guarantees. He remains owner of his LIV team Smash GC, which has named Talor Gooch as captain.
Speculation continues about which fairways Koepka will appear on next. He would be immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour where he would serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV event, given previous lifetime bans were significantly reduced. It makes sense not to be vindictive as LIV returnees benefit the already dominant PGA Tour. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership and rejoin the player ranks after not renewing post-2022.
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Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season. Koepka would then be eligible for 2027, just in time for the PGA Tour’s new schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited elite fields, a perfect comeback scenario. PGA Tour Enterprises’ investors would welcome another major star joining the new top league.
\”He may need some time but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He’ll probably play the minimum and the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or is eligible for top events, he’ll play those too.\” Perhaps the Tour will be lenient with the five-time major winner; besides the board, player directors and the Tiger Woods-led competition committee hold influence over suspensions, and Rory McIlroy has advocated for Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: This is exactly what happened. On Monday evening, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible to play on the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, is also confirmed.
This was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program\”, a new rule allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent achievements, especially the 2023 PGA Championship win, were taken into account.
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